WVU inaugurates Michael T. Benson in first ceremony in nearly two decades

West Virginia University formally inaugurated Michael T. Benson as its 27th president, marking the university’s first inauguration ceremony in nearly two decades. Benson described the occasion as a fresh start and urged the WVU community to pursue an ambitious future despite challenges facing higher education. He said the university should strengthen access and affordability, improve student outcomes, and focus research and programs on areas including technology, health, energy, advanced industry and lifelong learning. Benson also emphasized WVU’s land-grant mission, service to communities and the need to build public confidence in higher education.